Monday, December 10, 2012

Narendra Modi - Gujarat’s response to challenge of climate change

Is Modi destined to be future PM of India? I
had stated in my Facebook posting during last Independence Day on 15 August,
2012, that we needed to bow our heads in prayers that God of nations may send a
messiah and saviour who could pull India out of chasm of corruption and other
evils enveloping the once proud nation. Is Narendra Modi the answer to those prayers?

Narendra Modi -Future Prime Minister of India? Many believe that their prayers may be answered.

THE PICTURE and perception that the Western world and
its media have painted of Indian politicians is uneducated and excessively corrupt
individuals who manipulate the system to hang on to power. Narendra Modi’s Convenient Action removes this myth and
reveals a politician in a different light. That
is why many Indians believe this Chief Minister of Gujarat is destined to be a
future Prime Minister of India.

This book, while documenting Gujarat’s proactive action in
multi-dimensional initiatives towards climate change, is also intended as an
invitation by Modi to scholars, researchers, scientists, leaders and policy
planners to visit his Gujarat. He invites them to experience and feel the
impact and challenges them to measure and judge Gujarat’s initiatives against
any yardsticks of scientific and analytical scrutiny.

Those who frown on certain Eastern religions as falling
under paganism need to see how religion is conveniently used as a vehicle to
promote good husbandry and forestry practices while providing for ‘water
temples’ and preserving mangroves.

The book outlines simple examples of commonsense rules
to preserve power and natural resources through CNG and solar energy and
rescheduling office hours to spread the loads on electricity demands. Innovation
in transport system, use of gas and wind can help a great deal in reducing what
we call carbon footprint.

The book is a documentation of eight years of
initiatives and innovations undertaken by Gujarat state under the leadership of
Narendra Modi. Among others, Academia, NGOs
and media have been targeted for capacity building exercise. Media have been
gainfully utilised to enhance communication capabilities to inform and empower.
Being a pioneer in establishing a separate Department of Climate Change, Modi
administration has been successful in developing public participation and
public awareness through effective use of media and communication channels.

Modi- Jai Hind

Such practices are intended to contribute to the
adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change. In fact Modi believes the Gujarat
model could serve as an example to decision makers across all political spectrum if there was strong political will to fight climate change and leave
the world a better place for coming generations. The message Modi intends to
pass to the developed and developing world is that the divide between political
cycle and carbon cycle could be filled by firm determination and resolute will.

That is how it has been done in Gujarat. This is must
reading for those interested in preserving our world for future generations
from the impact of global warming through simple, commonsense actions.